Game Details
| Size | 152 MB |
| Region | Asia |
| Genre | Fighting, RPG |
| Format | 7z / ISO |
| Year | March 15, 2011 |
| Console | PSP |
Dissidia 012 Prologus: Duodecim Final Fantasy (2011) is a unique “paid prologue” that serves as a bridge between the original Dissidia and its massive sequel, Dissidia 012. While often dismissed as a “demo,” it contains exclusive story content and rewards that cannot be obtained anywhere else.
The Plot / Premise: Chapter 0
The story mode, titled “Unfamiliar Allies,” takes place during the 12th cycle of the eternal war between Cosmos and Chaos.
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The Protagonist: You play primarily as Lightning (making her Dissidia debut here) alongside the Warrior of Light and Kain Highwind.
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The Conflict: Lightning is newly summoned and questioning the nature of the war. The story provides crucial context for why the Warriors of Cosmos are in such a dire position at the start of the main 012 game.
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The Link: It sets up the “Treachery of the Gods” arc, explaining the loss of memories and the beginning of the end for the 12th cycle.
The Big Draw: The “Aerith” Factor
The primary reason players bought Prologus was for the exclusive carry-over content to the full game, Dissidia 012 [duodecim]:
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Aerith Gainsborough (Assist Character): Purchasing and downloading Prologus is the only legal way to unlock Aerith as an Assist Character in the full version of Dissidia 012. She is not playable herself, but she provides unique healing and holy-magic support.
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Accessories: You can earn unique accessories in Prologus (like the “Chocobo Cologne”) that transfer to your main 012 save file, giving you a head start on leveling and stats.
Key Features
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Lightning’s Gameplay: This was the first chance for fans to test Lightning’s “Paradigm Shift” mechanic, allowing her to swap between Commando (Melee), Ravager (Magic), and Medic (Healing) roles mid-fight.
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Arcade Mode: After finishing the short story (about 30 minutes), you unlock a 5-battle “Normal” and a 30-battle “Hard” Arcade Mode.
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Unlockable Characters: While you start with Lightning, you can unlock others for Arcade Mode, including Warrior of Light, Kain, Tifa, Cloud, Sephiroth, Kefka, and Jecht.
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Assist System: Prologus introduced the Assist mechanic to the series, allowing you to summon a partner to break an opponent’s combo or extend your own.
Short Review: A $3 “Golden Ticket”
The Good
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Essential for Completionists: If you want a 100% complete roster in Dissidia 012, you need this for Aerith.
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Polished Experience: It feels exactly like the final game—smooth framerates, incredible music, and flashy EX Bursts.
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Tutorial Value: It serves as a perfect, low-stakes environment to master the new Assist and Chase mechanics before diving into the 60+ hour main game.
The Bad
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Extremely Short: The story content can be finished in a single sitting.
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Paid Demo Stigma: At the time, many fans were annoyed at paying for a “prelude” that arguably should have been a free demo or included in the main game.
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